Clint Bowyer Has Fun with Pure Michigan Fans

Last Thursday, NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer joined about 50 fans for a Q&A session, and 15 lucky fans had the opportunity to spend time with him while participating in a golf skills challenge (which included driving, chipping, and putting) at Thousand Oaks Golf Club in Grand Rapids. Clint also spent some time helping out a few of the younger fans with their swing. While admittedly not the best golfer, he “enjoyed interacting with them and supporting MIS for the upcoming Pure Michigan 400 in Brooklyn“ on August 21st.

Clint Driving the Ball

Clint took some time to answer some of the questions submitted to our Facebook fan page.

Q. Did you play with Hot Wheels as a kid?

“I actually had the Matchbox Cars, and I think every young racer had them. You know Jared Landers who drives for me; he has a little boy, Madden. I think he’s got a full field of cars and he’ll set them up and race them around there, and I remember doing that. Heck yeah, Hot Wheels are a big part of any kid growing up.”

Woodward Dream Cruise

Q. What is your favorite place in Michigan to go?

“I’m a huge car guy, and a huge hot rods fanatic, grew up around ‘em, you know. My father had cars, his friends had cars, and just grew up going to car shows, and you guys host one of the best ones in the country – the Woodward Dream Cruise, and last year I was fortunate enough to go and check that out and see all the cars, and it’s just a really cool atmosphere and a lot of fun.”

MIS Race Fans

Q. When do you know it’s time to make a pit stop?

“You can sweat so much, you’re so worried about keeping fluids in you, it’s crazy. The race, it’s really, really long, I’m sure that if you’ve had some Budweisers you’d probably have went to the bathroom 5 or 6 times in the time I’ve still been out there driving in circles and it never, ever crosses [my] mind. It’s crazy…You know, we’re not the smartest people in the world, and 9 times out of 10, it’s the crew chief saying, ‘You’re out of gas, get your butt in the pits’”

The races in Michigan are among Bowyer’s favorite on the circuit. “I’m telling you, Michigan does a great job creating an environment for a fan coming to enjoy what we do,” Bowyer said. “The race track puts on a good show, first and foremost. And secondly, a fan can come and enjoy a three-day tailgating atmosphere. That’s what it is. It is a family atmosphere, people bringing their families out.” As for the fans, Bowyer says “MIS fans are some of the most loyal in our business and are pretty good golfers too! I enjoyed being here a lot today.”

We enjoyed spending time with Clint too, he has a great sense of humor and really enjoys talking to fans. We can’t wait to watch him and the other drivers compete in the upcoming Pure Michigan 400! If you’re heading to the race for the first time, check out our post featuring tips for a great race weekend from experienced MIS fans. One of the fans recommends camping in the infield. Clint agrees, telling us they are a fun and rowdy bunch. Sounds like fun! Have you bought your tickets to the race yet?